태종대, or Taejongdae, may have won my vote for ‘favorite destination’ of the year. The time spent here was wonderful, relaxing, and filled with beautiful sights. Located in the southern part of Busan along the coast, expect to spend a full day exploring the sights and trying to take it all in.
This site wouldn’t be completely appreciated without a little history. The name Taejongdae comes from the 29th king of the Silla dynasty, King TaeJong Mu-Yeol, in the seventh century. This, apparently, was the place he enjoyed shooting arrows. Another part of the park next to the water, Sinseon Rock, is named after a myth that gods and goddesses came here to relax. In the modern era, it’s been a resort park since 1967 (but doesn’t look a day over 20)!
After walking a couple of hundred metres up the hill towards the tram station, buy a ticket to use the colourful tram (1,500 won). One leaves from the bottom station every 20-30 minutes (more frequent during the afternoons; less so during the mornings). Get off, then get back on later on after you’ve explored a bit. One nice touch: the tram plays the standard ‘this stop is…’ messages in Korean, English, and Chinese.
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